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Methods for the Discovery of Novel Compounds Modulating a Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid Receptor Type A Neurotransmission
Published on: August 16, 2018
Electron-donating para-methoxy converts a benzamide-isoquinoline derivative into a highly Sigma-2 receptor selective
Abdol R Hajipour1, Lian-Wang Guo, Arindam Pal
1Department of Neuroscience, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, 1300 University Ave., Madison, WI 53706, USA.
Abstract:
The sigma-2 (σ2) receptor has been suggested to be a promising target for pharmacological interventions to curb tumor progression. Development of σ2-specific ligands, however, has been hindered by lack of understanding of molecular determinants that underlie selective ligand-σ2 interactions. Here we have explored effects of electron donating and withdrawing groups on ligand selectivity for the σ2 versus σ1 receptor using new benzamide-isoquinoline derivatives. The electron-donating methoxy group increased but the electron-withdrawing nitro group decreased σ2 affinity. In particular, an extra methoxy added to the para-position (5e) of the benzamide phenyl ring of 5f dramatically improved (631 fold) the σ2 selectivity relative to the σ1 receptor. This para-position provided a sensitive site for effective manipulation of the sigma receptor subtype selectivity using either the methoxy or nitro substituent. Our study provides a useful guide for further improving the σ2-over-σ1 selectivity of new ligands.
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